Multipurpose magnetic couplings

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a unique magnetic coupling that can be used as a drink identification system as well as a myriad of other useful purposes. In one embodiment, two magnets are connected by a connector. Each of the magnets have at least one surface with an opposite polarity from the other magnet to induce a magnetic attraction. When the magnets are close in proximity, they come together due to the polarity, and effectively produce a loop. The magnets can be attached to the rim of a cup. Decorative charms attached to a small ring or loop can be put onto the connector. Alternatively, the decorative charm can have a magnet attached to it. The charm can then be magnetically attached to the outer magnet of the coupling. A monogram or name tag can be substituted in lieu of a decorative charm. The magnetic coupling can be used for other purposes, such as securing objects in a drink (a decorative umbrella or drinking straw).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/286,322, entitled “Multipurpose Magnetic Couplings,” filed Dec. 14, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is directed generally to magnets, in particular, to magnetic couplings used for tracking, identification, and decorative purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

In many social settings beverages are available for people to enjoy. However, in the midst of the numerous other guests, it would be useful for a guest to be able to identify their cup among those that belong to other guests. A person would benefit from being able to distinguish their cup from others for several reasons. First, by being able to identify and re-use a single cup, a guest is able to avoid exposure to bacteria and viruses. This is particularly important during outbreaks of various diseases such as the H1N1 flu, avian flu, or even the common cold. Additionally, being able to re-use a single cup reduces the number of cups used at the event.

One solution is to use disposable cups and to write on the cup with a marker. However, many social settings are not conducive to the types of available disposable vessels and the use of markers. One problem that may-arise is that the marker easily wipes off the cup. The ink may inadvertently be wiped onto a person's body or clothing, leaving an unsightly stain.

Another solution is to use available identification systems, such as wine charms. However, in may situations, beverages are not served in stemware, such as wine glasses or champagne flutes, and attaching the charms is impossible, rendering the system useless. Additionally, wine charms, particularly those that use wire are prone to becoming misshapen and thus unhelpful if they are no longer able to be attached to stemware.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a unique magnetic coupling that can he used as a drink identification system as well as a myriad of other useful purposes. In one embodiment, two magnets are connected by a connector. Each of the magnets have at least one surface with an opposite polarity from the other magnet to induce a magnetic attraction. When the magnets are close in proximity, they come together due to the polarity, and effectively produce a loop. The magnets can be attached to the rim of a cup. Decorative charms attached to a small ring or loop can be put onto the connector. Alternatively, the decorative charm can have a magnet attached to it. The charm can then be attached to the outer magnet of the coupling. A monogram or name tag can be substituted in lieu of a decorative charm. The magnetic coupling can be used for other purposes, such as securing objects in a drink (a decorative umbrella or drinking straw).

The magnetic coupling can be used in many everyday situations. For instance, the magnetic coupling can be used to label plates or other food containers without the need to permanently mark or change the container. The magnetic coupling can he used to add decorative elements to many objects, such as candles, lamp shades, perfume bottles, and hand bags. The magnetic coupling can serve as a securing device for clothing and purses. The coupling can keep objects together, such as mittens, gloves, and socks. Another use for the couplings is as decorative napkin rings, where charms or other decorative elements can be interchanged for different occasions while the magnetic coupling holds the napkin. To reduce static electricity in a person's hair, a person can use the magnetic coupling as a pony tail holder or hair clip. The couplings can also be used as a way to prevent the clinking noises made from pet collars and the various tags that hang from them. The couplings can be used to fasten name tags without damaging a person's clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an embodiment of magnetic couplings;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another embodiment of magnetic couplings;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interchangeable decorative coupling accessory;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interchangeable identification coupling accessory;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an embodiment of an interchangeable tracking coupling accessory;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an illustrative example of the magnetic couplings and decorative coupling accessory;

FIG. 3B is a block diagram of another illustrative example of the magnetic couplings.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, a block diagram of an embodiment of magnetic couplings 100 is depicted and described. In brief overview, the apparatus 100 includes two or more magnets 110 connected by a connector 120. Although FIG. 1A depicts the magnetic coupling 100 with two magnets 110, a magnetic coupling 100 can have any number of magnets 110 as long as they are connected by a connector 120.

Each magnet 110 has at least one surface that has an opposite polarity to at least one surface of the other magnet 110. The opposite polarity causes the magnetic attraction between the two magnets 110. The magnets 110 can be encased in a clear acrylic or other similar plastic or substance that does not interfere with the magnetic field of the magnet 110. The clear acrylic (or similar substance) ensures that if the magnetic coupling 100 is attached to a fragile structure, it will not scratch or otherwise harm the structure's surface.

The connector attached to the two or more magnets 110 can be of any type of pliable material. The connector 120 can comprise fabrics that can be braided or otherwise intertwined in a durable fashion. The fabric or textile can he coated in a waterproof material, such as wax or similar material. Alternatively, the connector 120 can be a molded plastic or other pliable, durable material. The molded plastic can he thin strips which can also be braided, linked, or fashioned in a manner similar to chain links. The connector 120 can be an elastic material, such as a rubber band coated in a water resistant substance or elastic fabric that allows flexibility and pliability. The connector 120 can be a springy coil encased in a molded plastic or other flexible or pliable material. In other embodiments, the connector 120 can be any supple material that is durable and not easily broken.

Alternatively, the magnetic coupling 100 can be comprised of two or more magnets 110 connected by a connector 120 and entirely covered by a fabric, molded plastic, or other supple and durable material, to present a more uniform look.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the magnetic couplings 100 is depicted and described. The connector 120 is a strip of thin, pliable, and durable sheet of plastic or other similar material. The magnets 110 are attached to the connector 120 at opposite ends of the strip on the same side by a strong adhesive or other means of attachments, such as screws or glue. Alternatively, the magnets 110 can he attached to the connector 120 at opposite ends of the strip on opposite sides of the strip so that when the magnets 110 connect, the connector 120 results in a twisted configuration. The connector 120 can he a piece of cardboard or other paper product coated in a water resistant material. The connector 120 can have pre-creased portions so that the magnetic coupling 100 forms a U-like shape.

FIGS. 2A-2C are block diagrams of coupling accessories 200 of the magnetic coupling 100. In brief overview, each coupling accessory 200 is comprised of a magnet 210 connected to a feature 230, 240, 250. The magnet 210 can then be attached to the magnetic coupling 100 and displayed as described herein. Referring now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of a coupling accessory 200 is depicted and described. The magnet 210 can be similar in size to the magnets 110 in the magnetic coupling 100. The magnet 210 for the coupling accessory 200 has an opposite polarity to at least one of the magnets 110 of the magnetic coupling 100 to ensure that the it can be attached to the coupling 100 and the magnets 110 of the coupling 100 can still connect as described herein. On the other end of the magnet 210 of the coupling accessory 200, a charm 230 can be attached. The charm 230 can be any decorative material and combination thereof, such as heads, gems, feathers, glitter, ribbons, stones, tiles, charms, letters, pendants, and flowers. The decorative coupling accessory 200 can also include a small light, such as an LED light bulb, which can be different colors and can blink. The accessory 200 can also include a mechanism that emits sounds, such as a short tune clip or a series of notes. The accessory 200 can also be a picture frame in which pictures can be placed and changed out later.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block diagram of an identification coupling accessory 200 is shown and described. The magnet 210 of the accessory is similar to that described in relation to FIG. 2A. The identification feature 240 can be a permanent name tag with an individual's name or other moniker inscribed or otherwise displayed on the surface. Alternatively, the identification feature 240 can be a dry-erase surface on which a name can be temporarily written on the surface and later erased. This embodiment permits the name tag to be used several times.

In another embodiment, the feature 240 may be a case which can hold a paper name tag, permitting a person to write their name on a sheet of paper and place it in the holder so that it can be displayed.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, a block diagram of a tracking coupling accessory 200 is shown and described. The magnet 210 of the accessory is similar to that described in relation to FIG. 2A. The-tracking feature 250 can be a passive radio-frequency identification (RFD) device. A Passive RFID tag is one that relies entirely on an RFID reader as its power source. The tracking feature RFID tag 250 can include an RFID chip and antennae. The RFID chip can be an integrated circuit for storing and processing information and modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency signal. The antenna is used to receive and transmit the radio-frequency signal. Each RFID tag 250 can be accessed by an RFID reader and can store information transmitted to it. The RFID reader emits radio signals that power up and activate the passive RFID tags. The activated RFID tags 250 transmit data to the RFID reader which collects the information. The tracking feature 250 can be used to track information or gain access to secured areas.

Although FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate three different embodiments of the present disclosure, the features of the three embodiments can be combined with each other in any combination.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a block diagram of an illustrative use of an embodiment of magnetic couplings 100 and a decorative feature 200 is depicted and described. In brief overview, the magnetic coupling 100 and decorative feature 200 are used as a means of beverage identification. The diagram shows a beverage glass that does not have a handle or stem that is needed to attach a wine charm. Rather, the magnetic coupling 100 is attached to the rim of the cup. The magnets 110 of the magnetic coupling 100 are placed on opposite sides of the rim. The magnetic attraction of the magnets 110 pull the magnets 110 toward each other and allows the magnetic coupling 100 to be attached to the cup. The connector 120 prevents the magnets 110 from sliding apart or sinking to the bottom of the glass, where it would be submerged in the liquid attic beverage. The magnet 110 on the outer rim of the cup has another magnetized surface. A decorative beverage charm 200 in the shape of a star is shown. The decorative charm can server as a form of identification if it is distinctive enough from the other charms available, such as by either size, shape, or color. The charm 200 can be easily changed out or removed from the magnetic coupling 100.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, a block diagram of another use of an illustrative use of another embodiment of magnetic couplings 100 is depicted and described. The illustrative embodiment of the magnetic coupling 100 includes four magnets 110 attached by a connector 120 with four arms. Two of magnets 110 of the magnetic coupling 100 are attached to the glass as described in relation to FIG. 3A. The remaining two magnets 110 arc wrapped around the drinking straw 410 to secure and prevent the straw 410 from floating around the beverage. The magnetic coupling 100 can be used to secure other drink accessories, such as a paper umbrella, a stirrer, toothpick, and any other garnish or decoration that may float around in the beverage.

The magnetic coupling 100 can be used in many everyday situations. For instance, the magnetic coupling 100 can be used to label plates or other food containers without the need to permanently mark or change the container. Similar to the process described for attached the magnetic coupling 100 to a cup, a magnetic coupling 100 can be attached to a plate, serving dish, bowl, or any other food container. In lieu of the magnetic coupling accessories 200 described in the present disclosure, a person can add a small clip, such as an alligator clip or other similar miniature clamping mechanism to the connector 120 of the magnetic coupling 100 and then write out a label on a paper card or other paper product.

The magnetic coupling 100 can be used to add decorative elements to many objects, such as candles, lamp shades, perfume bottles, and hand bags. Another use for the couplings 100 is as decorative napkin rings, where charms or other decorative elements can be interchanged for different occasions while still serving as a ring for the cloth napkin.

The magnetic coupling 100 can serve as a securing device such as for clothing, napkin holders, and purses. It can be an used as an alternative to a paper clip or binder clip. Additionally, The magnetic coupling 100 can be used as a bookmark to mark a place in the hook to return to without folding any pages of the book.

The coupling 100 can keep objects together, such as mittens, gloves, and socks. To reduce static electricity in a person's hair, a person can use the magnetic coupling as a pony tail holder or hair clip. The couplings 100 can also be used as a way to prevent the clinking noises made from pet collars and the various tags that hang from them. The couplings 100 can be used to fasten name tags without damaging a person's clothing.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the personal authentication system described herein. 

1. A decorative identification system for a beverage container comprising: a first magnet securely attached to a first decorative clement, and a second magnet securely attached to a second decorative clement, the first and second magnets connected together by a flexible member such that when the first magnet is brought into proximity with the second magnet, magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets cause the flexible member and magnets to form a loop. 